With a Summer-Camp-Themed Bash, Alice + Olivia Hosted Its Fifth Annual Pride Celebration

Alice + Olivia took everyone back to their childhood last night as they created their very own campground in the heart of New York City. In support of the Ali Forney Center and in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, guests such as Katie Holmes, Ariana DeBose, Dylan Mulvaney, and Nicky Hilton Rothschild showed up to support the cause and enjoy the nostalgic event.

This year marked the fifth annual pride celebration for A+O, an event that has quickly become synonymous with the brand’s ethos. “I love that Stacey’s been throwing this event for five years," said Holmes. This year’s celebration took place on The Close East Lawn in the heart of Chelsea—the beautiful courtyard was magically transformed into a summer camp for grown-ups.

“This year, during really turbulent times, there is so much backlash against brands and whether they are pride washing or not doing enough,” said Stacey Bendet, founder of A+O. “[We’re] just staying true to something that we’ve always done, really believe in, and feel is really important in the world—regardless of any politics. It’s something that is true to who we are.”

In between enjoying plant-based burgers and fries, guests were spoiled with a plethora of different camp activities. The grounds included everything from a pink bubblegum cabin, bunk beds, and tetherball to a friendship-bracelet-making station and an even pit stop where you could write letters to your mom and dad! Many were also sure to stop by the A+O canteen to pick up a custom “Camp Pride” sweatshirt and s’more as the sun went down.

“If you look around at this event, there are so many different types of people here. It’s not about race, religion, or creed; there is just space for everyone, and I love being aligned with people who believe in the same thing that I believe in,” mused Ariana DeBose on the beauty of the event.

Just as the night was coming to a close, guests gathered on the checkerboard, flowered-filled dance floor to enjoy three unreleased songs from the singer/songwriter Kenzie.